A mother of three whose bloating became so extreme it made her feel like she was 'nine months pregnant' has been diagnosed with stage four metastatic ovarian cancer. Becky Small, 33, from Hampshire, initially noticed severe bloating in April, describing it as 'really hard' and painful, making it difficult to sleep.
Initial GP Visits and Missed Diagnosis
Becky visited a GP on 27 April, who examined her abdomen and ordered a urine test, which came back clear. She was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, but her condition did not improve. On 30 April, she saw a different GP who, she alleges, conducted no tests and did not examine her stomach before prescribing treatment for suspected gastroenteritis.
'The bloating was getting bigger,' Becky said. By 5 May, her abdomen had turned 'rock solid,' prompting her to attend A&E.
Emergency Diagnosis
At A&E, two doctors examined her properly and were 'shocked' that blood tests and CT scans had not been done earlier. That evening, medics found two lesions on her ovaries and one on her kidney. A biopsy on 20 May confirmed stage four metastatic ovarian cancer on 1 June, and she started chemotherapy four days later.
'My three children are my world, so thinking that you're going to die is a horrible feeling,' Becky said.
Treatment and Family Support
Becky has completed two rounds of chemotherapy and faces four more, scheduled to finish by September, along with a full hysterectomy in August. Her husband Paul, 34, has been a key support, especially when breaking the news to their children: Logan, 10, Harley, 8, and Iris, 4. 'My daughter starts school this year and that is the bit that scares me the most – that I'm not going to see her start school,' Becky said.
Symptoms and Awareness
According to the NHS, ovarian cancer symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and increased urinary urgency. Becky, who was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries at 16, urges women to stay alert. 'I don't want other women or even my own daughter to have to go through what I'm going through,' she said.
